![[Interview] Macsen Talks Hip-Hop, Hemp Vodka, the Industry, and More](http://upcominghiphop.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/6-ways-4.jpg)
In 1997, the Cannabis laws in Switzerland were vague. Marijuana was not specifically designated as legal, but it was sold in many retail stores throughout the country. Patrick Glauser, a Swiss National, was intrigued by the idea of combining cannabis flavors with vodka. Patrick experimented with many different strains, combinations, and methods of vodka production. Over time, the ingredients and process was perfected, and the World’s first hemp flavored vodka was born. For nearly two decades, Patrick grew his brand -- Chronic Vodka -- in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and other surrounding countries.
In 2009, Macsen Apollo Eastman was a hip-hop artist touring Europe. Before a show a Germany, Macsen found himself in a liquor store, across the counter from Patrick Glauser. After learning that Macsen was a touring musician from California, Patrick insisted that Macsen taste Chronic Vodka. Macsen immediately recognized the market opportunity that vodka would have in the United States. Macsen and Patrick teamed up to make that happen. After three years of preparation, permitting, and market analysis, Elation Vodka launched in June 2015 in Florida. Since then, we’ve penetrated over 400 liquor stores, restaurants, and bars in Southern Florida.
Since Macsen is a hip-hop artist turned entrepreneur, we wanted to share his story and the interview we did with him. There are many ways to build your brand and audience and this is just one great example. Hemp Vodka helps Macsen get his name out there. Comment below if you have an interesting story to tell.
What first got you into hip hop?
In the town I grew up in there were a lot of hippies always hanging out at the park. Then Cypress Hill came out with stoned is the way of the walk. Everyone loved them. I grew up with a lot of my friends. My mother would take in all of the neighborhood kids that were going through problems. I fell in love with Tribe Called Quest and I wanted to start rhyming.
How did you end up touring Europe?
Years and years of doing local shows. Two Albums out with V.E.R.A Clique, we used to always tour with Del and Aplus from Hieroglyphics. Then one day my good friend DJ RasCue of the Cali Agents and Various Blends called me and told me he needed my help entertaining these girls we came down from Switzerland. Little did I know these two girls were booking agents in Switzerland. We had a good time showing them around San Francisco. Before they left I gave them some CDs, some vinyl and some stickers as a little gift and next thing you know we have been booked for a couple shows in Switzerland. Anderson Ray the other half of the VC couldn't get his passport. My good friend Blake Jamieson paid for my first plane ticket to Europe. So I went out there and represented for the group.
When you first met your partner, Patrick, what were your thoughts?
It was 8 o'clock in the morning the day before my show In Berlin. I had a cold and my throat hurt and I was out of cigarettes so I walked to a little small convenience store not too far from my tour manager's house and Switzerland. When I got there Patrick was on the other side of the counter. I asked him if they sold menthols and he asked me where I am from. I told him I'm from Oakland, California and I'm here on tour. Then he said you must taste my vodka! You must taste my vodka! I was thinking fuck my life here it is eight in the morning I'm sick and I'm about to start drinking vodka. Patrick runs back to the counter with the can of iced tea and a bottle of vodka. He says here man try this out and let me know what you think. I took the vodka home to tour managers house, I went to Berlin and did my show and when I got back I tried the vodka and was completely amazed. This vodka tastes like marijuana holy shit.
Why did it make sense to bring Elation Vodka to the US?
I live in California and I see the marijuana industry blowing up. A lot of my friends were up on mountains growing marijuana and working with cannabis clubs. It seems like everyone had a job in the cannabis industry. I knew the vodka would do well here, it just needed a better name and label.
Any reason it took 3 years to finally get to the US?
The United States government requires when you're bringing in a new hemp product for the product to be tested for THC once in the country of origin and then once from a private lab in United States before you can send it to the TTB for them to do testing. The labeling process is just as tedious and it takes lots of time for approval. We also ran into issues with the original name we had - and had to come up with a more unique and powerful name for the vodka.
Are you still making hip hop?
I think I will make music until the day I die. Music is my way of expression and freedom.
How do you feel about the current Hemp industry?
I think it's great. I think people are now starting to have more of an open mind. A lot of studies are now being done and they're finding out that it is helpful and is useful in so many forms.
How do you feel about the Cannabis industry in general?
The cannabis industry is a booming industry with lots of potential growth. I think that any businessman that doesn't think about the cannabis industry must be blind on what is happening worldwide. Cannabis has always been popular and now in a more legal state. It's a lot like alcohol prohibition.
Any advice for a person looking to get into the Cannabis industry?
Take the legal route. Find out what it is in the cannabis industry you would like to do and partner up with a few people that know the business and go for it. Realize that farming is farming and you must have farming skills if you want to grow. Know that any business that you enter there is trial and error. Learn patience but do it with an urgency.
Connect with Macsen
www.macsenapollo.com
www.veraclique.com
www.macsenapollo.bandcamp.com
www.veraclique.bandcamp.com
www.youtube.com/veraclique
Twitter.com/MacsenApollo
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